Computer to DAC

[yogibear]

Is there a way to output a digital signal from a computer's USB hub and send the signal to a DAC? That would be great if I could use my laptop to store all my cds. If this is possible, how is the resulting sound? I know that Wavelength makes a product called the Brick, but it's too expensive and I don't need another DAC.

 

[IWalker]

Squeezebox or External Soundcard (usb).

 

[yogibear]

I tried a Sound Blaster external sound card and the resulting sound was horrible. Is there a particular sound card that doesn't decrease the quality of the signal?

 

[amey01]

If you've got music on your computer and you want to play it through a DAC, then the Squeezebox is your best option. This will either wirelessly or through a CAT5 cable connect to your computer and provide you with analogue output or S/P-DIF digital output for a DAC.

If you insist on a USB DAC, then there are some out there - but I haven't seen too many from reputable manufacturers - hopefully more will be coming soon! I have not heard a DAC in USB mode so I cannot comment on the sound quality. There are also a plethora of cheap USB-->S/P-DIF digital converters out there (on eBay) but I don't know what these do to the signal - I would assume they'd be no good!

 

[Joey_V]

Get a USB DAC... done and done..

 

[IWalker]

even through digital out of the sound card? Try an M-Audio USB sound card...they do much better. I'm very happy with the quality from my card. Squeezebox works well too.